Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education

The Bachelor of Applied Science Teacher Education (BAS-TE) degree program prepares students for Washington state K-8 teacher certification. Through this program, students can also earn an endorsement in English Language Learner (ELL) and/or Early Childhood Education (ECE).


Degree Information

The BAS-TE program is a residency model. During their second year, candidates will complete an intensive teacher residency that requires hands-on work in K-8 classrooms, under the guidance of a mentor teacher and field supervisor, for an entire school year. Candidates will be placed in one of our local partner schools. In addition to residency, candidates will complete two years of core coursework. Coursework is offered in the evening, with a mix of online and in-person classes which are held on the Yakima campus.

Program Highlights

  • Dedicated, experienced college faculty
  • Hands-on learning throughout the program
  • Flexible programming designed for individuals currently working in education or career changers
  • Evening courses blended with online learning
  • Residency teaching opportunities in local K-8 classrooms
  • Options for full-time or part-time attendance
  • Affordable tuition

The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information. 


Program Information

Application Process

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort will open March 3, 2025. The deadline to submit your application is April 30, 2025. Please reach out to bas-te@yvcc.edu with any questions.

Step 1: Apply to YVC

  • If applicable, complete the online YVC Application. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee.
    •  Students do not need to complete the YVC application if they have been a student within the last twelve months.
  • Apply for FAFSA/WASFA, if you intend to use financial aid.
  • Send all official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities to YVC admissions for evaluation, if applicable.
    • Current YVC students and those who have submitted transcripts recently do not need to resubmit.
    • There is no need to request official transcripts from YVC.
    • Transcripts must remain in a sealed envelope to be considered official. If transcripts are sent electronically, have them sent to admission@yvcc.edu.

YVC Admissions
Yakima Valley College
PO BOX 22520
Yakima, WA 98907-2520

Step 2: Apply to the Program

Several items need to be uploaded within the online application.  Make sure to have the following items ready before completing the application:

1. Personal statement: Personal Statement Instructions

2. Basic skills assessment score reports. By the application submission, you must provide evidence of attempting all three subtests (reading, writing, math).

Step 3: Wait for Notification

Applications are reviewed after the application deadline in April. Students can expect a notification from the BAS-TE program regarding acceptance in Summer 2024.

If you are accepted, plan on attending a mandatory advising appointment over the summer and an orientation session the week before fall quarter classes begin. Instructions about orientation will be sent after notification of program acceptance."

Other Information

Candidates who are accepted into the Teacher Education program will be required to pass a criminal background check before their Field Experience (student teaching) begins. See the OSPI website for details. Also, applicants for certificates in Washington State must give evidence of good moral character and personal fitness as specified in WAC 181-79A-155. This evidence includes an affidavit from the applicant indicating that he or she has not been convicted of any crime or a complete disclosure of all arrests and subsequent dispositions of such arrests. In the event of a conviction for any arrest, the applicant shall state reasons why such conviction does not reflect adversely on the requirement to possess good moral character and be personally fit.

Students in the Bachelor of Applied Science program pay upper division tuition fees. Tuition is set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges which acts upon legislative authority. Rates are subject to change.

A full description of tuition and fees can be found on the Financial Aid website. You can also locate information on how to apply for grants and scholarships to pay for college.

In addition to college tuition and fees, there are program specific costs for testing, fingerprinting and more.

Program Completion:

Due to the variety of entry points into the program, program advisors work closely with candidates to create tailored educational plans that consider prior learning experiences with their educational background.

All BAS-TE candidates must complete 60 general education credits in combination with 300 and 400 level Teacher Education courses.

The length of time it takes to get a teaching certificate is unique, based on test scores and transcripts. Typically, completing the required 180 college-level credits for a BAS degree will take six quarters, or two academic years.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • Use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • Collaborate with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
  • Explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and create learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • Explain how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • Explain and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • Plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • Explain and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • Seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Minimum Application Eligibility Requirements:

All eligibility requirements must be completed by the end of summer quarter. Test score reports must be uploaded with the application for the application to be considered complete.

  • An associate degree OR at least 90 college-level credits from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5 (combination of all college transcripts)
  • WEST-B skills test or acceptable alternative (by application submission applicants must provide evidence of attempting all three subtests)
    ENGL& 101 grade of “C” or above
  • College-level math or symbolic reasoning course that meets Quantitative Distribution grade of “C” or above
    * Vouchers to offset the cost of the WEST-B test may be available. Please contact bas-te@yvcc.edu for more information* "

The BAS-TE Program is accredited by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).